8 replies to this topic

[Goldsystem]

NOTE: I don't know if this counts as off topic or general.

I want to try making my own 3D formicarium, I have access to a 3D printer but I don't know what software to use to design it.

Edited by Goldsystem, November 12 2016 - 2:50 PM.

[Kevin]

AutoCad is what I use. Solid Works is also good.

[dermy]

I think drew uses SaladWorks [Solid Works] for his or at least He's discussed using it before.

[Loops117]

123Design is easy as foq

Edited by Loops117, November 12 2016 - 9:01 PM.

[dspdrew]

Definitely doesn't belong in "General". If it was ant-related enough to belong in an ant-related subforum, it would go in "Ant Keeping". Since it's hardly specific to ant-keeping I would say "Off-Topic" is best.

[drtrmiller]

www.tinkerCAD.com is excellent for learning the fundamentals.

Edited by drtrmiller, November 12 2016 - 11:31 PM.

[noebl1]

+1 for Tinkercad.  I find it very easy to reproduce parts for stuff around the house, and started using it for ant related designs.  I run Linux, so my options aren't the greatest (or affordable) for apps like this, so a browser based app is perfect for me     If it wasn't free but had a reasonable subscription, I'd probably still pay for it.

 

Here's a couple I've done so far inspired by the AC designs (my test tube portal clone came out of necessity as they had been out of them for awhile):

 

These are printed in PLA, .3mm resolution and 15% infill:

 

 

For the first one, I used a simple 2D SVG drawing app to "hand draw" the shapes to look a bit less uniform and computer designed, then imported into Tinkercad.  It sometimes flakes out with SVG imports, but works well enough for this.  I've had mixed success importing existing STL designs to modify as it will sometimes distort them.

 

My maximum printed surface area is only 8"x8"x8", but as my colonies and designs grow, thinking I may want to build something capable of 12"x12" or higher.

[drtrmiller]

Here's a couple I've done so far inspired by the AC designs (my test tube portal clone came out of necessity as they had been out of them for awhile):

Man, I think yours may look better than the original.

[noebl1]

 

Here's a couple I've done so far inspired by the AC designs (my test tube portal clone came out of necessity as they had been out of them for awhile):

Man, I think yours may look better than the original.

 

 

Thanks!  Though you can tell the resolution difference between AC using .1mm and me saving time at .3mm.   Takes me about 2.5hrs to print one, so makes it pretty convienient.  Nice to be able to adjust things; for example made them fit really tight on the top panels so no need to use tape to hold them down and also reduced overall height to reduce print time and filament usage.  About to start a seperate thread on formicarium design as wanted to try using 3D printed designs and adopting some of @dspdrew's ideas of hydrostone for humidifying, but could use some feedback.

Edited by noebl1, November 20 2016 - 9:17 AM.